Actor Rob Schneider Champions Move to Eliminate Ultraprocessed Foods from Arizona School Cafeterias

Actor Rob Schneider is advocating for a significant change in Arizona’s school meal policies. He joined Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne and other Republican leaders in Phoenix to express support for House Bill 2164.

This proposed legislation aims to ban the serving of ultraprocessed foods in public schools. Schneider highlighted specific ingredients that would be prohibited, including potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, Red 3 dye, and Red 40 dye.

During a press conference, Schneider, donning a chef’s hat, humorously reflected on his childhood experiences with unhealthy foods, suggesting that his height might have been affected by a diet of “junk food.” He emphasized that Arizona has the potential to lead national efforts in nutritional reform.

“We can do better,” Schneider asserted, reinforcing the need for improved dietary options for students.

Importantly, the legislation does not prevent parents from providing their children with ultraprocessed foods to consume at school.

Superintendent Horne noted that Arizona’s school dietitians are already doing commendable work, claiming that only about 5% of food served contains the concerning ingredients outlined in the bill. However, he acknowledged more improvements are necessary.

Lawmakers mentioned that the rising conversation surrounding nutrition, spurred by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has made this an opportune time to address these dietary issues.

House Bill 2164 is set for review by the House Education Committee. Further details about the bill will be available soon.